If there was any doubt about his future heading into the final week of the preseason for the Miami Heat, Nick Richards may have just sealed his fate with two strong performances. With how he looked in each of the last two games, it'd be surprising if Richards wasn't on the Heat's opening night roster.
And if that's indeed how this all plays out, that means Richards' contract for the 2026-27 NBA season would be guaranteed. With just a few days before opening night, the Heat's front office has a big decision to make.
If Richards isn't waived before opening night, he's likely in it for the long haul. Or, at the very least, from a financial perspective, his contract becomes fully guaranteed. While it may have been in question a few days ago, I'm not sure that's still the case.
The Heat can't afford to let Nick Richards walk out the door
With how Richards looked in the last two games, I'm not sure the Heat can comfortably waive him before the start of the season. In the past two preseason games, Richards has averaged 10 points and eight rebounds. Perhaps most importantly, he looked the part of a big man who could play the stopgap role if needed.
In the event that Giannis Antetokounmpo or Bam Adebayo miss time this season, Richards may not be able to single-handedly replace either one of those players, but there's reason to be (and some proof during the preseason) that he could step in for a few games. He's even proven over the course of his career that he can be a spot-starter.
Even though the Heat may have some bigger aspirations with their final two roster spots, they just can't pass that up right now. Especially considering that any alternative is far from a certainty.
What Richards has been able to show so far in the preseason is much more valuable (at least for now) than the "what if" that may or may not await the Heat in the buyout market later on in the season. That, coupled with how solid Richards has been when called up over the last couple of weeks, is the biggest reason why he's likely locked up his spot on the Heat's opening-night roster.
And that should be considered a big win for the front office. The Heat took a flyer on Richards and, at least at this point, it does appear as if it's truly paid off.
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